Autopsy: Detroit Woman, 19, Shot in Face on Porch

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) — An autopsy on a 19-year-old woman killed on a suburban Detroit porch where she’d reportedly gone to seek help after a car crash confirms that she died of a gunshot wound to her face.

Renisha McBride, of Detroit, who was black, was fatally shot Nov. 2 in predominantly white Dearborn Heights. Civil rights groups have called for a vigorous prosecution in the case, saying McBride was targeted because of her race.

Investigators have said the homeowner told them he thought someone was trying to break into his home and that he accidentally discharged his shotgun.

The Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office report released Monday ruled McBride’s death was a homicide. There’s no evidence she was shot at close range, according to the report.

The homeowner’s attorney, Cheryl Carpenter, told The Detroit News that the man was awakened in the early hours by what sounded like “a person or persons” trying to get into his home. Carpenter said the shooting was justified but did not comment on reports that it was accidental.

She said she and her client “recognize it’s a tragedy and a 19-year-old woman died.”

“Let’s wait and not prejudice,” Carpenter said. “Nobody including the police, the prosecutor or the public has all the information yet.”

29. VL Mike (1976-2008)

30. Dorothy Stratten (1960-1980)

31. Huey Newton (1942-1989)

32. Sabotage (1973-2003)

33. Gianni Versace (1946-1997)

34. James R. Jordan (1936-1993)

35. Phil Hartman (1948-1998)

35 of 37

36. Patrick Hawkins aka Fat Pat (1970-1998)

36 of 37

37. John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)

37 of 37

Continue reading Autopsy: Detroit Woman, 19, Shot in Face on Porch

Famous Folks We Lost to Gun Violence

We have all heard the saying 'Guns Don't Kill, People Do'. . . well, actually, it's the combination of the two. Every year in the U.S., an average of more than 100,000 people are the victims of gun violence. Some survive but many do not. Here are just a few familiar faces and names of folks from different walks of life who did not survive.